Earlier this week, on December 13, Shenzhen Metro rolled out Xiaosuan, whose name means Little Garlic, an AI-powered robot guide dog at the Huangmugang Transportation Hub. This one-month pilot is designed to transform how blind and low-vision passengers navigate one of the city’s busiest transit environments.
Xiaosuan combines advanced technologies—multi-modal 3D-voxel neural network sensing, integrated indoor and outdoor planning and control, and a large visual language model—to offer hands-free assistance. Activated by voice command, the robot can:
- Plan autonomous routes to specific points within the hub
- Avoid obstacles while following tactile paving
- Interact through voice to confirm directions
- Recognize visual cues and service signage
During the initial phase, service points are set up beside the accessible elevators at Exits 13 and 14. Dedicated staff will accompany users on each journey to ensure safety and gather feedback. If the trial meets its goals, Shenzhen Metro plans to expand automated operations and bring Xiaosuan to more stations in 2026.
This pilot highlights Shenzhen’s push toward inclusive, tech-driven urban mobility. As cities worldwide explore AI and robotics for accessibility, Xiaosuan offers a glimpse into a future where public transit adapts to every passenger’s needs.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com